Hundangrepp på betesdjur - lösspringande hundar som problem inom naturvårdsbete

Abstract

As the number of livestock available for grazing semi-natural pastures are declining in many areas of Sweden, there is a growing concern for the future biodiversity of many nature conservation pastures. At the same time there has been reports of off-leash domestic dogs frightening and attacking herds of sheep and cows, especially around major cities, and popular summer destinations (such as the archipelagos of the west coast of Sweden). This study examens the regulations concerning dogs in areas of protected nature, as well as the differences between domestic dog attacks and the attacks of wild carnivores (such as wolfs) on livestock. It also attempts to explain how, and under which circumstances these attacks occur. The study is partly conducted through interviews with farmers, who´s sheep or cows are grazing nature conservation pastures in the western part of Sweden (Västra Götaland) and partly a literature review of various scientific papers dealing with dog attacks in a Swedish and international context. The literature review shows that there is very little research concerning domestic dog attacks on livestock in Sweden and next to no studies internationally regarding dogs and grazing of nature conservation pastures. Reports about predation on livestock indicates that all though it may be difficult to determine whether there has been a wolf, a fox or a dog involved in an attack, there are elements that separate them. Sheep are more vulnerable to attacks than cattle or horses; they are however more accepted by the public in urban areas or in popular tourist locations. Farmers express concerned regarding the welfare of their animals, but generally do not consider dog attacks as the main problem in relation to pastures. Possible solutions to the treat of domestic dog attacks can be co-grazing of sheep and other animals such as horses, or the use of livestock-guarding dogs and/or lamas. There is also evidence that extensive grazing regimes, such as periods of no grazing during every growing season or the use of fewer animals on the same area, is beneficial for the biodiversity of seminatural pastures.